PUNE: The Pune railway junction is among the 70 stations in the country selected for setting up a ‘selfie point’ for passengers by December 2018. 

The Railways has invited proposals for the same. Some other facilities planned include better lighting, provision of lifts and escalators, and improvement of areas outside railway stations.

According to the Railways, it was observed that many passengers click selfies on railway tracks. In one such incident in November, a 22-year-old suffered 70 per cent burns while taking a selfie atop a goods train at Khadki railway station.

Sunil Udasi, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway, said, “We are planning to set up a selfie point where passengers can click selfies. The Nagpur division has started this work at Nagpur station. We are planning similarly for Central Railway. Lonavla, a favourite destination for passengers is also on our list as a selfie point.”

Divisional railway managers (DRMs) have been asked to appoint an architectural consultant to prepare a plan for the station.

“The proposed plan should be completed by December 2018. The work includes improvement of the platform, building, new FOBs and others. The point may come up at platform number one or near Mahatma Gandhi statue,” said Manoj Kumar Jhawar, Public Relations Officer, Pune division.

OTHER WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY RAILWAYS
- While Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) is redeveloping over 600 stations with the help of private parties, Indian railways has started work for improvements at 70 stations. 
- Some of the stations Indian Railway has suggested include Lonavla, Mumbai, Nagpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaipur, Delhi and Mysore.
- Private parties will be allowed to construct residential complexes and /or commercial structures like hotels and hospitals near railway stations on land owned by the Indian Railways. 
- The land will be leased to private parties for 99 years at 600 stations.